5.13A Structures and Functions - Scope Assessment

Some plants grow on land while others grow in water. Whether they are on land or on water, they have adaptations to help them make food. Water plants have structures on the tops of their floating leaves that would best help them–

• take in water.

• absorb sunlight.

• hide from predators.

• provide shelter for fish.

A frog has structures that help it meet its needs. What structure of a frog has the function of helping the frog catch and eat food?

• Croaking sound

• Webbed back feet

• Moist skin

• Sticky tongue

Students in a science class were investigating structures and functions that help animals survive in their

environments. The following is information that the students collected to share with their classmates.

Which student included information about both the structures and functions of organisms in their

research?

• Frogs can jump really far. They live near the water and can catch insects. I like to catch frogs

  in the summer.

• Bears have large, strong legs that help them move large objects and climb trees. They have

  large paws and strong claws to help them get many different food sources and a thick coat

  of fat under their fur to keep them warm.

• Birds have wings. Birds have beaks, but sometimes the beaks look different. Birds build

  nests in trees, and they have feathers. Many birds have differently colored feathers and are

  beautiful to look at.

• Snakes can slither. They can live in almost any environment. Snakes can be venomous or

  nonvenomous. I am scared of snakes.

Which of these functions would NOT be an advantage in a hot, dry desert climate?

• Being active at night

• Getting water from plants

• Hunting other animals during the day

• Digging burrows underground

These plants live in similar environments. They both have adaptations, or structures, that help them survive. Which of the following best explains how their differences help them in their environments?

• 
  Bromeliad leaves use their tank structure to create food from the water they collect. Fern leaves have a waxy coating that keeps predators from eating them.

• Bromeliad leaves have a tank structure that holds water in between the tightly packed leaves because they do not have a large root system. Fern leaves have a waxy coating that helps keep them from losing water in a dry climate.

• The sharp ends of the bromeliad leaves keep them anchored into the soil and can act like roots. Fern leaves are rough on one side and smooth on the other so that they feel nice when a human touches them.

• The tank structure of bromeliad leaves helps keep them from blowing over when storms move through an area. Fern leaves have the ability to close up at night so that predators leave them alone.

This table lists structures and functions of organisms that live in the same environment.

Which of these describes the ecosystem in which these organisms live? Select two correct answers.

• Mountainous terrain

• Coastal area near the ocean

• tropical climate

• Cold climate

The image lists either structures or functions that help organisms adapt to their environments.

Identify whether the image refers to structures or functions.

• Structures

• Functions

The image lists either structures or functions that help organisms adapt to their environments.

Identify whether the image refers to structures or functions.

• Structures

• Functions

Using the information in the scientist’s observations, what does Bird A’s diet probably consist of?

• Nuts and seeds

• Grasses and weeds

• Small animals

• Bacteria and fungi

Which structure of Bird A most helps it obtain its food source?

• Large, sharp claws

• Curled feet

• Curved, sharp beak

• Brown feathers